MedFest: A Taste of the Mediterranean was a great success!
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MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean was an exciting new event at West Dean which did for the Mediterranean what West Dean’s Chilli Fiesta, the UK’s biggest, best and longest running Fiesta, has done for the Chilli!.

The event was another winning combination of food and drink, live music and dancing with the same great party atmosphere in a sensational setting. The Mediterranean covers 21 countries across three continents and with three distinct culinary palettes and a plethora of music and dance traditions, MedFest will capture the diversity and richness of the regions cultural and gastronomic traditions with this year paying particular attention to Spain and Lebanon.

To get into the spirit of things Roots Around the World are working as musical partners. They programmed the live performances and pre-recorded music which gave an aural extravaganza of Mediterranean sound. International flamenco company Cancion Gitana staged Flamenco performances, supported by the widely respected Cadiz singer Fernando Reyes, two dancers, a fiery flamenco guitarist and percussionist. A wonderful and vast selection of stallholders attended MedFest to provide a representative sample of regional take away foods, gourmet food products, crafts and plants including Palmavera, who’s owner Emma Lundie was “excited to be part of an event exclusively dedicated to the Mediterranean and West Dean Gardens provides a wonderful setting”. Other stallholders included: Pure Spain, Jamon Jamon, Lebanese Fine Food, the Churros Bros and The Garlic Farm who featured some educational aspects relating to garlic, its history and culture.

Sarah Wain, Garden Supervisor, revealed to the home grower how to emulate the Mediterranean climate with the use of glasshouses and polytunnels., thus enabling listeners to produce a number of the crops included in the delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet. Displays took place within the walled garden and glasshouses with over 40 different crops, ranging from chickpeas to cucumbers, artichokes to aubergines and grapes to garlic.

Cookery demonstrations from local cook and Guild of Food Writers member Rosemary Moon with special guests, sent people away impassioned and ready to create a taste of the Med in their own back garden and kitchen.

It really was the best of the Med relocated to an English paradise. A Taste of the Mediterranean held at West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX. 01243 818 210.

Gift Aid

West Dean Gardens is part of The Edward James Foundation, a registered educational charity. Consequently, if you are a UK taxpayer, and you are willing to pay 10% on top of the normal admission charge, the Foundation is able to treat the whole payment as a charitable donation and reclaim 25p in every £1 from the Government. This will further benefit the work of the Gardens and the Foundation. Click on the following link for more info on West Dean's Gift Aid

As a thank you for your donation we will provide you with vouchers to spend in the Visitor Centre Shop or Restaurant which, if you were planning to use either of these, will actually reduce the cost of your visit. Click on the following link to download a Gift Aid Declaration Form to complete before your visit.

Registered Charity No: 1126084